Rain expected for qualifying

NEWS STORY15/03/2014

A short rain storm is expected to interrupt this afternoon's qualifying session as the notoriously changeable Melbourne weather throws another spanner in the works.

Though warm and sunny at times today, the weather has worsened with the wind picking up substantially since opening practice. Above the city a bank of clouds is visible but of greater concern however is what loiters just over the horizon.

A stiff north-westerly breeze is pushing a rain front, currently about 100 kilometres away from Albert Park, towards the circuit and is expected to arrive just in time for the first part of qualifying. Though only a narrow band it is rated as moderate to heavy by the Bureau of Meteorology.

After a winter spent testing in Spain and Bahrain the teams and drivers are yet to run in anything but dry conditions.

With a strong blustery wind added in to the mix it looks to be an especially unpredictable qualifying hour where being on the circuit at the right time could be the deciding factor.